TCM Review 05-2

The stomach meridian of foot yangming

Cyclical flow and distribution: The Stomach Meridian starts from the lateral side of ala nasi. It ascends to the bridge of the nose, where it meets the Bladder Meridian. Turning downward along the lateral side of the nose, it enters the upper gum. Reemerging, it curves around the lips, and descends to meet Chengjiang (CV24). Then it runs posteriolaterally across the lower portion of the cheek at Daying (ST5). Winding along the angle of the mandible-Jiache, it ascends in front of the ear and traverses Shangguan (GB3). Then it follows the anterior hairline, and reaches the forehead.

The branch emerging in front of Daying (ST5) runs downward to Renying (ST9). It goes along the throat and enters the supraclavicular fossa. Descending, it passes through the diaphragm, enters the stomach, its pertaining organ, and meets the spleen.

The branch emerging from the supraclavicular fossa runs downward passing through the nipple. It descends by the umbilicus and enters Qichong (ST30) on the lateral side of the lower abdomen.

The branch from the lower orifice of the stomach descends inside the abdomen and joins the previous portion of the meridian at Qichong (ST30). Running downward, traversing Biguan (ST31) and Futu, (ST32) it then reaches the knee. It continues downward along the anterior border of the lateral aspect of the tibia, passes through the dorsum of the foot, and reaches the lateral side of the tip of the second toe.

The tibial branch emerges from 3 cun below the knee and enters the lateral side of the middle toe.

The branch from the dorsum of the foot rises from the dorsum and terminates at the medial side of the tip of the great toe to link with the Spleen Meridian.

Cyclical flow and distribution: the Spleen Meridian starts from the tip of the big toe.It runs along the medial aspect of the big toe between the red and white skin and ascends to the front of the medial malleolus and further up to the medial aspect of the leg.It follows the posterior aspect of the tibia and passes through the front of the Liver Meridian.Going on along the anterior medial aspect of the knee and then the thigh, it enters the abdomen, reaches the spleen, its pertaining organ, and connects with the stomach.Passing through the diaphragm and running alongside the esophagus, it reaches the root of the tongue, and spreads under the tongue.

A branch goes upward through the stomach and the diaphragm, and then flows into the heart to link with the Heart Meridian.

Indications: Disorders of the spleen and stomach, gynecological diseases, genital problems and diseases involving the areas through which the meridian flows.